Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 June 2025
157. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to confirm whether a centralised national microchip and passport database for equines exists; and if not, whether there are plans to establish one. [34660/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA central equine database was established in 2013 and contains the records of all equines registered in Ireland as reported by the seven authorised Passport Issuing Organisations (PIOs). In addition, EU Regulation 2016/429, the Animal Health Law, makes it obligatory for Member States to establish and maintain a computer database containing certain information regarding equines.
For each animal the database records a number of key fields, including:
• their unique code (passport number)
• the method of identification linking the animal concerned with the identification document referred to in point
• date of birth
• country of birth
• exit date
• whether a replacement or duplicate passport was issued
• whether the animal is fit for human consumption.
In 2014, it was made mandatory for all premises where horses are kept to be registered with my Department. Currently, there are approx. 29,000 registered equine premises.
In 2021, my Department launched the first equine census to gain a more accurate understanding of the equine population within Ireland. The census, which has been conducted annually since 2021, links horses to the premises where they are kept for the first time. In line with the recommendations of Professor Patrick Wall's report, Reforms to Strengthen Equine Identification, Traceability and Welfare, my Department intends to integrate the profile of the equine population gathered through the census into the central equine database for the most accurate reflection of the equine population in Ireland. Seventy-three percent of keepers have responded to the 2024 census and approximately 120,000 horses have been linked to their habitual residence as a result.
